Every New Year, carnivals bloom all over Italy. The Venice Carnival 2024 (Marco Polo's Magical Journey to the East), which we have previously introduced, is in full swing, and today we invite you to step into another carnival - the Carnival of Acireale. 
The Acireale Carnival is recognized as a historic carnival. The first official document mentioning the event dates back to 1594. From 1880 onwards, the parade of themed papier-mâché floats began, starting with richly decorated aristocratic carriages; Later, papier-mâché floats were designed as there were many craftsmen in the city who used this technique for various decorations. It was not until 1930 that the "floats", that is, cars decorated with flowers, appeared, and although the old-style floats have long since disappeared and have been replaced by floats decorated with blooming flowers, they have retained their traditional characteristics.
Today's carnival takes place in a beautiful baroque setting in the historic center, with the gorgeous Cathedral Square at its center, the elegant white stone of the churches and the noble palaces, and the warm black lava pavement.
The rich program revolves around a peculiar parade of papier-mâché floats, blending the gentle nature of flowers with the spectacular character of the carnival, accompanied by a procession of masks dressed in fantastical and daring costumes.
The crowd that participates in the carnival is also eye-catching: the public of the Acireale Carnival is an irreplaceable "ingredient" in this joyous Sicilian tourist event. The crowds that swell along the parade route are a highlight of the show in itself: thousands of visitors come from all over Italy and beyond the Alps in the various parades.
The carnival mobilizes the entire city through sports and cheerful events, as well as competitions for community and senior associations. All events are sponsored by the Society, which also hosts competitions such as miniature floats and small pulp creations designed and built by young people and teenagers, which are a treasure trove of future crafts.
This year's Acireale Carnival ends on February 13.
*From the official website: